Benefit cheat to repay £2,300

A BENEFITS cheat falsely obtained almost £2,300 in housing claims — despite having moved out of the property.

Paula Payne — previously of Den Lane, Springhead, now of Mossley — failed to declare to Oldham Council that she had vacated the property and continued to claim housing benefit.

Payne (43) pleaded guilty at Oldham Magistrates’ Court to one offence under the Social Security Administration Act of failing to notify the council of a change in her circumstances.

Payne was sentenced to a 24-month conditional discharge and must also repay the money fraudulently obtained, plus £250 costs.

It’s the latest successful prosecution for the council, which has taken action against 62 benefit cheats over the last six months and saved more than £366,000 in overpaid benefits.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, Cabinet member for finance and human resources, said: “The council has a duty to protect the public purse and to make sure benefits go to people that genuinely require them.”

To report a benefit fraud call the fraud hotline on 0161-770 4969, email investigations@oldham.gov.uk or fill in the online referral at www.oldham.gov.uk.